In this edition of Ask Nathan:
- Honda HR-V auto or manual?
- What’s the future of electric?
- Toyota 4Runner vs Grand Cherokee?
Today’s first question comes from a Coloradoan viewer who is trying to decide between a auto all-wheel drive (AWD) or manual front-wheel drive (FWD) Honda HR-V.
Q: Hi,
I saw your review on the Honda HRV. I was very confused as to what to do regarding the manual 6 speed. I have always had a manual and I live in Lakewood, CO and really wanted the 4WD. I test drove a manual I found in Canada and ordered a Automatic. I really wished they made the manual in the AWD. I am still upset by it. I can still change my mind I think….
If you had the car full time in Colorado, which transmission would you chose?
Thank you!
Amy
A: Hi Amy,
Your question is a good one, but a personal one as well. I truly enjoy driving the Honda HR-V with the manual and FWD. It’s rewarding and its higher ride height already makes for a better snow machine. The CVT-equipped AWD Honda HR-V is better for snowy conditions. This you know.
My choice? I would save on the extra expense of the AWD Honda HR-V and buy a set of winter tires. If you’re interested in a winter car, proper winter tires are the way to go. Maintain proper rotation and remove them when the snowy season ends. It will make all the difference and you can still have some fun in your FWD Honda HR-V.
The only alternatives I could suggest are the Jeep Renegade 1.4-liter and Subaru XV Crosstrek as they have an AWD and manual transmission option.
Hope that helps!
N.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the Honda HR-V AWD. It’s just a bit sluggish for my tastes.
This next question comes from a young man who (1) hates his mother’s Lexus ES and (2) wants to know about future, luxury electric cars.
Q:
Hello TFL car! I am a car enthusiast (14 yo) and I wanted to know your opinion on something. My mom recently made the stupid decision of getting the 2015 Lexus ES 300h instead of the NX hybrid which I was hoping would have been one of my first cars to drive.
Ever since she got it, all I can think about is the day she gets rid of it! She is in a 3 year lease and by that time, my sister will be 16. I have asked my mom and she told me that she wants an electric car as her next car… the only problem is I don’t know much about electric cars, and we can’t get a Tesla for obvious reasons (cost). Let me know what you think about some fairly priced and luxurious (if possible) electric cars, and possibly what to expect in the future with the technology, range, etc.
Thanks!
-O. Eyestone
A: Hi and thanks for your email!
Currently, there are only a few fully electric cars on the market in North America. That should change very soon as the damage from Volkswagen’s diesel deception will force consumers to look at electric vehicles with more interest. Every automaker selling on our shores has an electric plan. Some, like Nissan, Ford and BMW have all electric vehicles ready for public consumption. Even Volkswagen has an electric car in the mix.
Out of your requirements, there is but one car that (kind of) fits: The BMW i3. You can read about the BMW i3 (BMW i3). It is a bit polarizing to look at, but it maintains an interesting link to BMW’s fleet of luxury/performance cars. In many ways, the BMW i3 (with the range extender) is a split between the Nissan Leaf, BMW i8 and Tesla.
As for the future? Tesla is supposed to come out with a more affordable car in the next few years, although I would hold on to your deposit for a bit. Tesla is notoriously slow to bring products to the people.
There are a few new contenders such as Faraday Future, Detroit Electric and Atieva. Plus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi are poised to challenge Tesla by equalling performance while maintaining value. Ford/Lincoln is rumored to be working on an all-electric luxury sedan that will be affordable.
It is rumored that Nissan will have an Infiniti version of their Leaf. This electric Infiniti may be along the lines of what you were thinking about.
Cheers!
N
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The last question comes from a fan who’s moving to Colorado (yay!) and is looking at a Toyota 4Runner vs a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Tough choice!
Q:Hi guys (and gal),
First I would like to start off by saying I absolutely love watching your videos. I started watching your videos when I lived in Alabama and now that I live in Colorado they are even more practical due to the elevation aspect. I think your videos are hilarious yet informative and not full of BS or corporate talk like alot of reviews.
I am in the market for a new vehicle and contemplating either a 4Runner or Grand Cherokee. My dilemma is what to get and I am curious as to what you would recommend. Me and my family love to camp and hike and I am an avid mountain biker. I have never done any off-roading before but, living here in Colorado, I would love to take advantage of the off road trails and don’t want to be limited by weather.
On the Toyota side I am looking at the 4Runner Trail Premium or the Limited. A sunroof is a requirement (don’t laugh). I love the cargo space and ruggedness of them however they seem very outdated and not very technologically advanced. The engine seems a bit sluggish and the gas mileage is abysmal.
On the Jeep front, I really like the Overland package and just need to narrow down the engine. I drove both the diesel and penestar v6 today and found the V6 to be a bit more responsive. I don’t tow anything or commute so not sure if the diesel would benefit me the extra cost vs extra gas mileage and awesome torque.
Anyways, living in Colorado at over a mile high, what would you guys choose for a vehicle given the above? I’m sure I barely made this an easy decision and there are a great deal of factors weighing in on the decision. Hit me back up on email if there are. But I’m basically looking for the ultimate adventure mobile that is safe for a family and won’t disappoint.
Thanks in advance,
Chris.
A: Great question and I have two answers for you.
My choice: the Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium (or TRD Pro if you’re so inclined). The Toyota 4Runner is extremely rugged while being the right size for small families. It is not pretentious, nor is it in any conceivable way frugal. It is a beast with a proper frame, solid rear axle and excellent balance off road. Next to a Wrangler and, possibly a few Rovers, the Toyota 4Runner has the potential to be one of the best off-road machines you can buy.
I lived with a TRD Pro and it was okay as a daily driver. Sure, the economy sucks, but this baby had a ton of curb appeal and it wasn’t half bad on the highway.
Roman’s choice: the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Roman likes the Pentastar V6 too. He says that, if you’re not towing or need that massive range, stick with the gas engines. He likes the elegant interior and superb driving dynamics. I agree, it’s a beautiful place to be and it’s an excellent driver. Roman says it’s a better city driver and nearly as good in the rough as the top level 4Runner.
I have to agree with him there too. He goes on to say that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is better looking and I disagree. Still, it’s pretty attractive.
I guess it comes down to our dispositions and opinions.
If you’re into smashing, up-rooting things, getting dirty and howling at the moon, that’s my kind of mojo and I will stick with the badass Toyota 4Runner. If you’re into tea, expensive shoes, physical fitness and name-brand adventure gear, go with Roman’s choice.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either vehicle.
Cheers!
N
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
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Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide. |
